Mountains · 7 days
Toubkal + Sahara Combo
Summit the High Atlas, then sleep under the dunes of Erg Chebbi
Duration
7 days
Group size
2–8 travellers
Difficulty
Challenging
Languages
English, French, Berber
From / person
$1,150
Overview
A seven-day adventure pairing a guided summit of Jbel Toubkal (4,167m) with a desert crossing to an Erg Chebbi dune camp. Challenging high-altitude trekking followed by easy desert days; mule and 4x4 support.
Morocco's two great landscapes back to back: stand on the 4,167m summit of Jbel Toubkal, the highest point in North Africa, then trade alpine scree for golden sand with two nights in the Sahara. The trip starts with the classic mule-supported Toubkal trek from Imlil, then a scenic drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass via the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou to the great dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga for camel rides and a desert camp under the stars.
The Toubkal section is challenging high-altitude trekking; the Sahara section is relaxed. It's the ideal week for adventurous travellers who want a real mountain summit and the iconic desert without choosing between them.
Trip highlights
- Summit Jbel Toubkal, 4,167m, the roof of North Africa
- Mule-supported trek from the Berber village of Imlil
- Tizi n'Tichka pass and the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou
- Camel ride into the Erg Chebbi dunes near Merzouga
- Two contrasting nights: mountain refuge and desert camp
Photo gallery
Inside the trip.
Day-by-day itinerary
Marrakech → Marrakech
- 1
Day 1 · Marrakech → Imlil → Toubkal Refuge
Imlil 1,740m to refuge 3,207mTransfer to Imlil and trek up the Mizane valley to the Toubkal refuges (5–6 hours, +1,450m).
Toubkal mountain refuge L · D - 2
Day 2 · Summit Toubkal → Imlil
Jbel Toubkal 4,167mPre-dawn ascent of Toubkal (4,167m) for sunrise, then descend all the way to Imlil for a hot shower and a gîte bed.
Gîte, Imlil B · L · D - 3
Day 3 · Imlil → Aït Ben Haddou → Dadès
via Tizi n'Tichka 2,260mDrive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to the UNESCO kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou, then on toward the Dadès valley.
Kasbah-style guesthouse, Dadès / Skoura B - 4
Day 4 · Dadès → Todra → Merzouga
Todra Gorge to the dunesThrough the dramatic Todra Gorge and the desert highway to Merzouga, arriving for a camel ride into Erg Chebbi at sunset.
Erg Chebbi desert camp B · D - 5
Day 5 · Erg Chebbi dunes
MerzougaSunrise over the dunes, a relaxed day around Erg Chebbi (4x4 loop, oasis villages, dune walks) and a second desert night.
Erg Chebbi desert camp B · L · D - 6
Day 6 · Merzouga → Ouarzazate
Desert to the kasbahsLong scenic drive back west via the Draa palmeries to Ouarzazate, Morocco's film-studio town.
Hotel, Ouarzazate B - 7
Day 7 · Ouarzazate → Marrakech
Atlas crossingRe-cross the High Atlas via the Tizi n'Tichka to Marrakech, arriving early evening.
B
Cities & regions on this trip
You'll experience 6 destinations.
Each stop has its own deep-dive guide — geography, history, best season, things to see, and other tours that visit it. Tap any card to open its dedicated page.
Imperial city · Central Morocco
Marrakech
The red-walled trailhead city — where every High Atlas trek begins and ends.
Open guide
Erg Chebbi · Southeast Morocco
Sahara & Merzouga
The desert counterpoint to the High Atlas — 150m dunes and silent camps to bookend a mountain trek.
Open guideHigh Atlas · Imlil & Toubkal
Atlas Mountains
The roof of North Africa — Berber footpaths, mule trains and the climb to Jbel Toubkal at 4,167m.
Open guide
Pre-Sahara · Southern Morocco
Ouarzazate & Aït Ben Haddou
Where the High Atlas spills into the desert — kasbah country over the Tizi n'Tichka pass.
Open guidePre-Sahara · Kasbah road
Dadès & Todra Gorges
Canyon walking on the desert side of the High Atlas — a 300-metre limestone slot, the rose-valley trails and the southern foot of the M'Goun traverse.
Open guideHigh Atlas · Toubkal National Park
Imlil
Imlil is the High Atlas trekking village that puts North Africa's highest summit within two days' walk.
Open guideThe route
Map of Toubkal + Sahara Combo
8 stops across Mountains. Distances and timings are flexible — every itinerary is reshaped to your pace.
- 1
Marrakech
Start
- 2
Imlil
Trailhead
- 3
Jbel Toubkal summit
Summit 4,167m
- 4
Aït Ben Haddou
UNESCO kasbah
- 5
Todra Gorge
- 6
Erg Chebbi
Desert camp
- 7
Ouarzazate
Night 6
- 8
Marrakech
End
What's included
- Private English-speaking driver-guide for the duration
- Vehicle (sedan, 4x4 or minivan) with fuel, tolls and parking
- All listed accommodation in hand-picked riads, kasbahs or desert camps
- Daily breakfast and meals as noted in the itinerary
- All listed entrance fees and guided activities
- Airport pickup and drop-off with flight tracking
- Bottled water and snacks on board
- WhatsApp support during your trip
Not included
- International flights to/from Morocco
- Travel insurance (we recommend a provider)
- Alcoholic drinks and personal shopping
- Optional activities marked “add-on” in your quote
- Tips for driver, guides and camp staff
What to bring
Pack light, pack smart.
- Broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
- Layered clothing — Atlas mornings are near-freezing, midday warm
- Insulated jacket and waterproof shell
- Warm hat, sun hat, gloves and buff
- Hiking poles (we can rent a pair in Imlil)
- Headlamp for alpine summit starts
- 1.5L+ water capacity, SPF 50, lip balm
- Small day-pack — mules carry your main bag
Frequently asked
Questions about this tour.
Is there much driving between Toubkal and the Sahara?
Yes — the Sahara is a real distance from the mountains, so days 3, 6 and 7 are largely scenic drives over the Atlas and through the kasbah valleys. The mountain and desert experiences themselves more than justify the road time.
How fit do I need to be for the combo trip?
The Toubkal summit days are challenging high-altitude trekking, so you need good fitness and stamina. The Sahara portion is easy and relaxed once the climbing is done.
How fit do I need to be?
Moderate. Expect 2–4 hours of light walking per day and one or two longer driving days. We pace days carefully and stop often.
When should I book?
For high season (Oct–Apr) and any trip involving the Sahara or hot-air balloon, book 8–12 weeks ahead. Last-minute (under 14 days) is usually still possible with a phone call.
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